A church congregation has been left in shock after money collected for vulnerable children was stolen.

Kind-hearted shoppers had donated hundreds of pounds to the town centre collection by members of the Loughton Methodist Church on Saturday.

But police were called to the High Road church when the money was stolen before it had even been counted.

Town mayor Jill Angold Stephens, who is a member of the church, said: “It was part of a collection that had been going on all day.

“Although the room was locked, there was a way a person could get in. It was a first floor room and the person counting just left for a minute.

“It’s totally callous.”

The money was due to go to the charity Action for Children, which cares for vulnerable youngsters, helps those who are fostered or adopted, and provides support to families.

Mrs Angold Stephens said: “The money is lost to the charity and it’s really sad, because people had given to this charity, which is a very good one.

“Parents had gone out with their children, shaking buckets, and we had a stall outside the front of the church.”

She said the church was open for volunteers to drop off the money they had collected, and there had been a rehearsal for a children’s show in the church hall on the day.

“It’s a community building and we encourage people to come in,” she added.

“We don’t expect that people will come in and do something like that.”

Church spokeswoman Christine Baker said: “We are very disappointed that part of our annual collection for disadvantaged children and their families has been stolen.

“We want to thank those who gave and our work to support the charity continues.

“If anyone can help with information about the person who took advantage of this situation or was keen to offload pound coins, please tell the police.”

The theft is thought to have taken place between 2pm and 6pm.

Police have asked anyone with information to contact PC Andrew Elvin at Loughton police station on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.